How did you fall down the rabbit hole of fountain pens and stationery? AKA, the moment that made you fall in love with writing tools and supplies.
When I was in primary school, I spent every break trading stickers with my classmates. The sparklier or puffier, the better. I could never bring myself to actually stick them anywhere, which is why they all still live in my sticker album. It's become a bit of a memento at this point, so I suppose those stickers will never know life outside its pages.
Later, at art school, everyone was drawing with Pigma Microns, but I really disliked their stiff, tube-like tips. I went looking for something else that would still allow me to draw with waterproof ink… and down the rabbit hole I went.
What do you do for work? Is there any way this hobby is intermingled with your work?
I'm lucky enough to have turned my love of stationery into my job. I'm an illustrator, and I run Cat Collage Club where I make cat-themed journal printables and stickers.
The stationery community is so kind and welcoming. I'm grateful every day that I get to do this.
What else are you in to that you would like to share with people to better know you?
I wouldn't call myself a foodie, but I love trying new-to-me foods and recipes. It doesn't have to be fancy — a seasonal jam flavor absolutely counts. Whenever I travel, the local grocery store is one of the first places I want to visit.
What words/quote would you like to share to other aspiring creatives?
“It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It's as simple as that. ” -Tove Jansson. I love this one because curiosity is what connects us (to ourselves and to each other) and it's so easily lost in the hubbub of everyday life.
What do you believe is the best starter fountain pen? Where should people start?
The Platinum Preppy surprised me. I picked one up not long ago and was amazed at how well it writes for the price. They're also about as inexpensive as fountain pens get, so you can pick up a few and try different nib sizes, or keep several inks going at once. That's a really nice way to start.
What's your go-to pen and ink combo?
I always have a Sailor Pro Gear inked with a waterproof ink for sketching, usually De Atramentis Document Sepia. Lately I've also been loving Nagasawa's Kobe Ink "Jin Jun Mei Gold" in my Leonardo Momento Magico Millefiori.
What's your favorite color? :)
I have a soft spot for sage green. It’s such a calming color. I also find it versatile because it pairs nicely with so many other colors, both warm and cool.
